Climate-Smart Farming Revolution Doubles Cotton Yields and Transforms Rural Zambia’s Future
Smallholder cotton farmers in Zambia’s Magoye and Ngwezi regions have doubled their cotton yields and significantly improved their livelihoods thanks to innovative climate-smart farming techniques introduced through a partnership between the European Union, the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP), and the International Trade Centre (ITC).
Before 2021, farmers in these rural areas struggled with declining cotton yields due to poor soil quality and a lack of access to sustainable agricultural methods. The ongoing ITC project, funded by the EU/ACP, has equipped more than 130,000 farmers across three regions with knowledge and tools to boost productivity while protecting the environment.
Central to the project’s success are climate-smart solutions such as Biochar and Bokashi. Biochar enhances soil health by improving water retention and carbon sequestration, while Bokashi converts organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, enriching the soil naturally. These techniques have enabled farmers to raise yields from as low as six to 14 bales per season to as many as 30 bales.
The benefits extend beyond increased cotton production. Participating farmers have reinvested their improved incomes into acquiring livestock—including cows, goats, and plough animals—and supporting their children’s education, fostering resilience and sustainable development within their communities.
A 100% adoption rate of these climate-resilient practices has been recorded in pilot plots, showcasing the project’s effectiveness both economically and environmentally.
This initiative illustrates how practical, nature-based agricultural innovations can empower rural farmers, contribute to food security, and promote sustainable livelihoods amid climate change challenges.
